Amazon Set for US Court Battle Over POD Policy

By Nias, Simon

Amazon’s battle with the print-on-demand (POD) sector looks set to reach the courts after a small US-based POD publisher filed a class action lawsuit this week alleging breach of US antitrust law. Booklocker.com, which has a catalogue of around 1,200 POD books, filed a lawsuit on Monday at the US District Court of Maine “to obtain injunctive and monetary relief against Amazon.com, with regard to an anti-competitive tying arrangement”.

This turn of events follows Amazon’s attempts to force POD publishers to use Booksurge, its own ondemand printer.

Booklocker’s case centres on the allegation that Amazon has threatened POD publishers with loss of access to its direct sales channel unless they use Booksurge as their on-demand printer.

In a statement, Booklocker publisher Angela Hoy said: “It is our opinion that Amazon may be positioning itself to directly print and control every book it sells.

“By forcing publishers to sign its extraordinarily oppressive contract, Amazon gains the power to charge whatever printing and distribution costs it desires.”

Booklocker said it did not know whether or not Amazon had committed an illegal act. However, it described the online bookseller’s actions as “highly suspicious”.

Amazon previously issued an open letter arguing that by printing all orders through Booksurge, it could serve its customers more efficiently.

Damien Peachey, head of PR for Amazon.co.uk, said: “We as a company do not comment on ongoing litigation.”

Amazon: on-demand lawsuit

Copyright Haymarket Business Publications Ltd. May 29, 2008

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